PS4 NPL Tasmania Round 3 Review

Hobart Zebras maintained their perfect start to the season, comfortably accounting for Clarence United 4-0 to take out the Luke Cripps Memorial Shield.

South smash hapless Rangers

South Hobart put on a sparkling display as they completely dismantled an undermanned Northern Rangers side 12-0 at Darcy Street this afternoon. Jack Turner was the star for South Hobart, playing in midfield he worked his socks off all game and also managed to put five goals past Luigi Cordova. He was ably assisted by Alex Leszczynski who provided a massive target up front and knocked in a hat-trick for himself. The entire South Hobart team could be waxed lyrical about, they were that impressive.

From the first whistle to the last, the South Hobart juggernaut were supremely impressive. They allowed about 5 shots against them all afternoon, and had countless efforts on goal themselves. On another day with their shooting boots on, they may have put 16 or 17 past the Rangers. They were so incisive going forward, pulling the Rangers defence apart at will before unleashing killer balls. A perfect highlight of this was the fact that cumulatively Turner’s five goals came from about 18 yards in total.

The Devonport Strikers have continued their red hot form with a comprehensive win over Launceston City at Valley Road.

Despite a hotly contested first half, the game was never in doubt after half time.

In a complete switch of tactics from last week, Devonport’s win was built from an incredible defensive press in the second half, pressuring the Launceston back four with intensity. This stifled all of City’s attack and created a multitude of chances for Devonport’s own strikers.

In a tale of two halves, Clarence, who were diligent and organised in the first 45 minutes, fell away badly and were steamrolled by a Zebras side that hit their stride in the second 45 minutes. They took advantage of some poor defensive lapses from the Reds to take a crucial three points and keep pace with fellow undefeated sides South Hobart and Devonport.

Reigning Champions Olympia FC Warriors unleashed a withering second half to obliterate the Kingborough Lions resistance. An eight goal second half saw the Warriors home 9-0 to earn their first points of the PS4 NPL season.

Lawrence Shuruma was the player of the match following his powerful second half showing. His first half left a lot to be desired whilst playing through the middle, but his move to the right wing in the second half proved a masterstroke as he scored four with powerful running and excellent finishing.